In a village of 200 farms, a study was conducted to find the cropping pattern. Out of the 50 farms surveyed, 50% grew only wheat. What is the population and the sample size?
Population refers to the total number of farms in the village under study. In this case, the population is 200 farms.
Sample size refers to the number of farms actually surveyed for the study. In this case, the sample size is 50 farms.
The information that 50% of the surveyed farms grew only wheat is related to the findings of the study, not to the determination of population or sample size.
Explanation
This question tests the basic understanding of two fundamental statistical terms. Population refers to the entire group about which the researcher wants to draw conclusions - here, all 200 farms in the village. Sample refers to the subset of the population that is actually surveyed or studied - here, the 50 farms that were selected for the study. The distinction is clearly illustrated in the textbook example where 'Population: All agricultural labourers in Churachandpur district' and 'Sample: Ten per cent of the agricultural labourers in Churachandpur district.'
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the total number of farms in the village = 200 farms. This is the population.
Step 2: Identify the number of farms actually surveyed = 50 farms. This is the sample size.